What's The Big Deal About Patents?

Without innovation and patents, we might still be using candles or oil to light up our homes at night. On January 27, 1880, Thomas Edison received his historic patent that covered the principles of the incandescent lamp. This helped pave the way for the worldwide use of electric light.

While Edison was not the first inventor trying to create a useable light source, he succeeded and surpassed others in developing a practical and inexpensive light bulb. With several patents Edison helped illuminate the world. This clearly illustrates how patents can benefit society and propel research and innovation.